Research Engineer – Composite Material Durability M/F

Job Description

Missions

The SOCLE project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium comprising industrial partners (Apollinaire Composites et Technologies—project coordinator, Scienteama, and FILIX) and academic partners (GPM - INSA Rouen Normandie, CIMAP – CNRS, University of Caen Normandy, ENSICAEN, and CEA). The SOCLE project aims to develop a foundational technology platform for the systematic analysis, comparison, and ranking of the performance of functionalized composites across several key functional areas: thermal resistance, radiofrequency transparency, friction/abrasion, durability, and fire resistance. The goal is to shift from a single-function selection approach to a comparative, multi-functional assessment in order to identify the most suitable solutions regarding the full range of application requirements and to reduce technical uncertainties prior to integration into sensitive industrial projects. The project's operational objectives include: creating a structured materials database (formulations, process parameters, multi-physics characterization results); validating new materials and high-potential composite architectures; assessing the feasibility of an RF competence center dedicated to composites; analyzing fire resistance (led by GPM); studying aging after damage, with a focus on flax-fiber-based composites (led by CIMAP); and evaluating the feasibility of innovative technical yarns (led by FILIX). For CIMAP, the specific objectives are: • Collaborative definition of testing protocols and experimental designs (WP1) incorporating matrices, reinforcements (including bio-sourced flax), functional fillers, and innovative processes (FILIX technical yarns). • Implementation of hygrothermal aging cycles representative of the in-service conditions for the industrial partner's composite structures, combined with mechanical stresses such as impacts. •
Characterization of material performance in use at various stages: thermal analysis (DSC, TGA, DMA), uniaxial mechanical testing, and structural mechanical testing. • Analysis of hygro-thermo-mechanical degradation mechanisms using 3D confocal microscopy and C-scan acoustic microscopy. • Cross-referencing of data with RF results (Scienteama) and post-damage aging data (CIMAP) for a comparative, multi-functional analysis. • Active contribution to populating the materials database and drafting scientific and technical deliverables.

Activity

Conducting and analyzing test campaigns covering thermal and mechanical aging, material characterization, and fire resistance for SOCLE composites. Processing and interpreting results; identifying material/process levers and multi-functional trade-offs. Contributing to the structuring and population of the materials database. Drafting technical reports and deliverables, and contributing to scientific publications and presentations. Potential supervision of Master's (M2) internships and participation in project steering committees. Serving as a scientific liaison with industrial partners (Apollinaire, FILIX, Scienteama) and academic partners (GPM).

Your Profil

Skills

Education: Engineering degree or Master's degree (5 years of higher education minimum) in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Physics, or a closely related field. A PhD or significant initial experience in the experimental characterization of composite materials would be a major asset. Expected technical and scientific skills: Excellent command of polymer-matrix composites (formulations, fibrous reinforcements, manufacturing processes, and microstructure-property relationships). Proven practical experience in thermo-mechanical characterization techniques (TGA, DSC, DMA, mechanical testing) and microstructural characterization. Interest in or prior experience with studying composite behavior and instrumented testing setups. Skills in experimental data analysis, statistical processing, and ideally, design of experiments (DoE). Ability to adopt a multi-physics and multi-partner approach, and to cross-reference results from different techniques and laboratories. Excellent scientific writing and communication skills (fluent French and technical English). Scientific rigor, autonomy, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a team within an industry-research collaborative environment. Valued assets: Knowledge of aeronautical composites and/or natural fibers. Experience with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) or advanced microscopy for analyzing failure mechanisms. Proficiency in Python or Matlab for data post-processing and visualization. Prior experience in collaborative research projects (regional, ANR, European) or working directly with industry partners.

Your Work Environment

The candidate will join the PM2E (Material Properties for Energy Efficiency) team at CIMAP, a multidisciplinary research laboratory with scientific fields ranging from ion-matter interaction to materials science. The position is based at the IUT GON (Alençon site). As the role falls within a sector subject to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) regulations, your appointment requires authorization from the competent authority within the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Travel within France and abroad is to be expected.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between 3100 and 3300€ gross monthly salary based on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions